“10 million” is a call for unity and the only guarantee of strengthening ․ Araks Madoyan

The idea of properly presenting Armenian products to the world united young specialists Araks Madoyan and Satenik Mkrtchyan. Their joint program aspires to become the ambassador of Armenian business in the whole world. We talked about the “10 million” project with co-founder Araks Madoyan.

– How did the idea for the “10 Million” project come about? What is it?

– The fact that the greatest potential of our Homeland is human resources does not seem to be a secret. And that, the consolidation of Armenia-Diaspora-Artsakh enormous potential is the only guarantee for the strengthening of our country. Unfortunately, today the Armenia-Diaspora connection is not on the level where it could have been. Reflections on the “10 million” pan-Armenian project began in this context. “10 million” is, first of all, a call for unity to the Armenians all over the world. It is a rather large project, which includes programs in the fields of education, science, culture, tourism, law and business.

– Why did you call it “10 million”? Is the project based on the idea of the unity of Armenians from all over the world?

 – Yes, you are right. When talking about Armenians around the world, we often mention the conventional number of 10 million, although, according to unofficial data, that number is much higher. We are sure that even the small contribution of every Armenian will become the basis of the bright future of our Homeland. It is noteworthy that the name “10 million” was born as a result of discussions over another pan-Armenian project.

– Did the war affect your ideas about the project and the ways of its implementation?

-Of course it did. Even during the war, it was clear to us that in addition to the front line, the rear could be held firmly. And the priority issue behind it is the strengthening of the country’s economy. In this context, the promotion of local production becomes a top priority. And only by uniting the efforts of the Armenians around the world it is t possible to find ways to solve that problem. I am convinced that every Armenian’s contribution to this issue is decisive.

It was in those days that as a result of discussions with the project co-founder Satenik Mkrtchyan, an idea was born, which later became the “Buy  Armenian, strengthen Armenia” initiative.

“Buy  Armenian, strengthen Armenia” seems to be the first stop of the big initiative. What is it?

– Last year was a very difficult year for the Armenian economy and many small and medium producers faced the problem of existence. It is no secret that the Armenian market in general is small. The only way to grow your business is to export. In order to maintain and develop the activities of small and medium-sized companies, we initiated the “Buy  Armenian, strengthen Armenia” campaign within the framework of the “10 million” project.

– Do you think the Diaspora can become a business partner for the Republic of Armenia? And is Armenia competitive in the world market?

– It is possible for us that our compatriots, regardless of their place of residence and country, get into the habit of buying Armenian products. Especially since online shopping has gained momentum in recent years. Let us also mention the fact that for many years the Diaspora has been the biggest “investor” in Armenia, if we take into account how many Armenian businessmen have started doing business in Armenia. Schedules may change over time. We cannot call on our compatriots to invest directly, but we are obliged to urge them to buy Armenian.

 – What is your function in the “Buy Armenian, strengthen Armenia” initiative?

– Our function is to present and promote the website. We run an awareness campaign that is very important in order to get to know each manufacturer. In addition, we organize logistics work.

– Does the initiative already have tangible results that we can present to the public, or is it still in its infancy?

– At the moment, the initiative has passed from the embryonic stage to “being born” to the general public, to the stage of introducing ourselves to 10 million of our compatriots in the world. There are only a few clarification points left, which are largely conditioned by legal-paperwork issues.

– Who or what organizations can present themselves to the world through you?

– All the manufacturers who create clothes, shoes, jewelry, home accessories, children’s toys, etc., can cooperate with us. In other words, our primary target is small and medium producers, because of  the difficult situation they are in being in the most risky zone.

Full text in Armenian